Florence+County+School+District+IV+v.+Shannon+Carter

Posted By: Hannah Dyal

Florence County School District IV v. Shannon Carter United State Supreme Court Argued October 6, 1993 Decided November 9, 1993

Background: Shannon Carter was a depressed student who suffered from ADHD and Dyslexia. When she entered high school, she was reading a level 5.4. Shannon was denied special education but was given an IEP. According to the IEP, by the end of the year Shannon should read on level 5.8. This was displeasing to her parents who wanted an approach that would have Shannon reading on grade level by graduation. The school denied this request. She was placed in a private institution that specialized in her disability.

Decision and Rationale: The US Supreme Court decided that Shannon was entitled to a fair education that she and her parents agreed upon. This decision entitles all students to a free and appropriate education. If one is not provided with an appropriate education, the school district must provide one in a private institution and pay the costs.

Impact on Teaching: Students with disabilities are now included into the regular education classroom which allows them the same opportunities as everyone else. Students who are disabled are never allowed to be discriminated against just because of their disability.

Question: Students with disabilities are guaranteed: a) A free and appropriate education b) A chance at education c) A diploma d) Free lunch at school

Randall McCarty Florence County School District IV v. Shannon Carter United States District Court of South Carolina Florence Division  17 EHLR 452 No. 86-2028-2  Argued October 6, 1993 Decided November 9, 1993 **Background ** As Shannon Carter entered the 9th grade at Timmonsville High School in Florence County School, South Carolina her parents were told she would not be placed in a special education classroom because of her dyslexia but would be placed in an individualized education program (IEP). Although Shannon would progress four months in her reading she would still fall behind her peers as her high school years continued. After the Carters asserted the IEP was not adequate and requested the school take a more intensive program from Shannon the school refused. The Carters then placed Shannon in a private school that specialized in educating students with disabilities. **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Decision and Rationale ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the Carters challenged the IEP the school stated they had met their obligation under Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The Carters filed a Special Education Due Process but lost, then lost the Review as well. Finally, the case suing the school district was heard in federal court it ruled in favor of Shannon 9-0. **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Implications ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Every student should be forwarded the utmost opportunity and resources to better meet their educational needs. Though tough and challenging at times, teachers should give their best efforts in abiding by IEP’s to insure each student is given an chance to succeed at a pace that is appropriate for them. School districts would be wise to dole out every resource available to their students be they with disabilities or not. Schools and teachers should remember their job is to educate, even in the direst of situations. **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Question **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: What does IEP and FAPE stand for?